This battle belongs to the Lord

2 Chronicles chapter 20 tells of the Moabites and Ammonites coming to war against Jehoshaphat. When Jehoshaphat found this out, he "decided to inquire of the Lord." He didnt start making plans to fight back. He didn't decide to flee. No, he chose to seek the Lord. Not only did Jehoshaphat chose to seek the Lord, He called all the people together to fast and pray so that as a groups they could seek the Lord's plans.

Then, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through Jahaziel and told them that the battle was not theirs--it was the Lord's. He told him to go to meet the Moabites and Ammorites.. and for the people to take their position and stand firm. He said (as He so often does in scripture) not to be discouraged or afraid due to the circumstances (the large enemy army), but rather to trust the Lord. How often when battle ensues do we run to seek the Lord? How often when He tells us it will be ok, do we insist on worrying or trying to make other plans because we see no evidence of possibility?

Scripture says Jehoshaphat fell on his face and all of the people fell down to worship the Lord. Some stood up and sang praises to Him. So in the threat of war, less than 24 hours before battle, they weren't polishing their weapons. They weren't talking strategy. They weren't making plans to evacuate the city. No, they were havin' church! They were praising the Lord!
They were worshiping Him with all they had.

The next morning, the day of battle, they went out early to meet the enemy armies. But first.... Jehoshaphat encouraged the people--reminded them of what the Lord said--and He appointed men to go in front and lead the army in praise. I love this part. Can you imagine, an army going to war and taking song books rather than weapons?

Notice that the Lord had told them to go and take their position and stand firm. He didnt tell them to go out praising. That was the *result* of their faith. And He responded to that too.. actually, they never had to take their position, because when they got to the battle sight, the enemy had already been slaughtered. They went above and beyond God's request and He went above and beyond His promise.

For those suffering in Somalia's persecution, remember to go out praising the Lord. Take Your position and stand firm and trust in the Lord, for this battle belongs to the Lord.

Suffering

1 Peter 4:1 says just as Christ suffered in the body, we must also suffer. Why would a loving God allow people to suffer? Because He is suffering, and when we walk with Him, we face the same insults, the same perfectution, the same hatred that the world has for Him. Not because He desires it for us, but because the world does not receive Him.

However, one must remember that in Him there is victory. He replaces pain with healing. He replaces hunger with fulfillment. He replaces sorrow with joy. He replaces defeat with victory.

Many believers never suffer. They have adapted to the ways of this world. They deny Christ for the sake of comfort. But in Somalia, every believer suffers. Every believer risks their lives for the sake of Christ. But He has not neglected any. He is suffering.. you suffer because you are His. But, this too, shall pass.

Soon, my brothers and sisters. Soon, very soon, you will get your reward.

God of the impossible

God allows his people to face impossible situations so that He can fully work in and through us. How did the Israelites get to the Red Sea? God brought them there. How did they get to Jericho? God brought them there. Why? Because God had a great purpose in it. He wanted to show his power. God allows his people to face impossible situations ultimately for his glory and to work out his purpose.

Somalia appears to be a difficult--even impossible circumstance. but with our God all things are possible. If we dare to trust Him to make the impossible possible, if we dare to step out and trust Him to lead our paths, if we dare to ignore what our eyes see and look with our hearts, He is able, He is willing, He promises to move mountains.

Somali Christians face the impossible every day. They trust in the Lord and He is faithful. How many of us are willing to step out of our comfort zones and step foot on Somali soil to proclaim the word of God? Some will say God isn't calling them. Others will say its not possible. But look to the Word of God and look to the God of the Word and reconsider.... Do you really believe God isnt calling ANY Christians to go to Somalia? If you won't pray and go--pray and send. If you won't pray and send, pray or send. If you won't go, pray, or send, who will?

what will it take?

Paul repeatedly speaks to believers about not being "ashamed in His coming". I think often Christians get so caught up in "life" that they miss out on God's plan for their life. What would it take for you to live the way God wants you to live? What will it take to get you to surrender your whole heart and live 100% for Him?

I suppose it is the answer to that question that will move you beyond being like the inquisitive rich young ruler and will either lead you to a deeper walk with the Lord or will cause you to walk away sad. You see, it wasn't the man's money that caused him defeat, it was his unwillingness to obey the Lord. Whatever it is that you wont give up will keep you from knowing Christ the way He desires you to know Him. And whatever it is you say you would give up--if He asked you--is probably the very thing He has already asked you to let go of. Hear His voice today and don;t harden your heart.

What will it take?

Persecution

I recently read a letter from a Christian in Somalia discussing the persecution there. This dear brother discussed the "great religious freedom" offered to Somali's who were able to escape to England and the US and how he desired it for himself and the others there in Somalia. Let me offer some thoughts and encouragement.The very fact that persecution exists there is a sign that the Lord is making a difference through each of you. (2 Timothy 3:12-- Everyone who wants to live a Godly life will be persecuted.) If He were not, others would have no cause to come after you. My desire for you is not that the persecution would end so that you might simply worship freely, but rather that the hand of God would move greatly upon the land of Somalia and you might make an unchangeable difference through His power and grace within you. It is my desire that the church would rise up and send many into the land to proclaim the good news and to fight the good fight alongside of you, for this is a battle of spirit, not of flesh and my friends, we already know in whom is our victory.Be encouraged my brothers and sisters for He who has begun a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Stand on His promises.

Unto the ends of the earth

The Word of God tells us to proclaim the Gospel message in all places--unto the ends of the earth. Somalia is a land almost forgotten--a place where the gospel is neglected. In the midst of a 16 year war, government is lacking, starvation is prominent, death is eminent, and life is all but hopeless. But for the few--the handful--who know Christ, there is joy. There is desire. There is victory. They rejoice not in physical possessions. They barely can rejoice in life. But in their Savior, this is certain--they can rejoice--they will overcome.

Maxaad rabtaa?

"What do you need?"

We all have needs. We may have to weigh carefully what are needs and what are wants, but none of us can say we have no needs. Hopefully, today you are living in Christ and can say your needs are all being met. However, that doesnt negate the fact that the needs are there. If you had no need, you would not have Christ in your life.

It is the desire of our Father's heart to meet each and every need we have. He knows our needs, but in order for us to receive what He has to give, we must acknowledge the need we have.
Matthew 7:8 says "Everyone who asks receives.."
James 4:2: says "You do not have because you do not ask".

We all have a need for Christ, and in Him all other needs are met. Isn't it exciting to know that with our God all things are possible, all needs are met, all obstacles are overcome, victory is ours. There is absolutely no need He cannot meet.

Ephesians 3:20 says "He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

Let me go a step further. There is absolutely no need He is unwilling to meet. I will say it again. There is absolutely no need He is unwilling to meet.

Philippians 4:19 says "and my God will meet ALL your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

So let me ask again, "Maxaad rabtaa?". "What do you need?"

He is able. He is willing. Acknowledge your need and receive.

"If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of Him. " 1John 5:14-15

Storms

While storms tossed waves into the boat, the disciples panicked, yet Jesus slept. Upon awakening, Jesus rebuked the storms---and He rebuked the disciples. If there were any time to be concerned, in the midst of nearly drowning should rank pretty high up there. But our Savior rebuked their very fears. Now, He wasn't rebuking them for doub ting what He said He'd do. No, He rebuked the very fact that they would doubt what went unspoken--that He could and would make everything alright.

If Jesus rebukes such thought, how much more does He rebuke our "what if's" and "but's" and "if only's".

What is God calling you to do today that you are putting off because you are too focused on a storm and not focused enough on Him?

The reality is, if the disciples had their minds on Christ, the storm would have been irrelevent.

God is calling many to go to Somalia, but there are enough excuses not to. Where is your focus--on Christ's power over the storm, or on the storm?

Where two or more are gathered

The Word of God says that where 2 or more are gathered, He is there in the midst of them. It also tells us that if we ask, we shall receive. When we look at the situation in Somalia today, one might question, "Why is God being silent in the midst of all of this?" However, God is not being silent--Christians all over the world are being silent--neglecting Somalia because it is "too dangerous", but the Lord God Almighty is ready to move His hand and do mighty works in that nation. If only believers would gather and lift up our Somali brothers and sisters, and believe in Him for change, for hope, for miracles. He will surely answer.

Refuge

In some areas of Mogadishu, people not only are without food and water, but shelter is scarce. The more fortunate might scrape up some money to pay for a few minutes under a tree to get out of the scorching sun. But for most, there is no refuge at all.

The weather isnt the only problem for Somalis in Mogadishu. Many people talk of sleeping on the streets, hardly getting any rest out of fear, gunshots and explosions surrounding them. They are weak from exhaustion, from dehydration, and hunger. They long for refuge.

Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Even where there are physical limitations, God extends His hand beyond. How much more, we who know Him prefer to have His refuge than to have a mere shelter. His refuge not only keeps the sun off of us and protects us from the rain. It keeps us safe and secure and fearless. For in Him, we have no need to worry.

Isn't it marvelous to think of His refuge? It brings comfort and joy. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Power to the weak, strength to the powerless

Isaiah 40:29 says that He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was faithful in the lives of His people. The same God is the one we call Father--the creator of the world, our help, our redeption. He has not overlooked Somalia. The Word of God says where two or more are gathered, there He is in the midst of them. We are promised that our requests will not only be heard, but that we will receive abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Today, many Somali believers feel weary. They are tired. They are hungry. They are weak. But God is faithful. He is rest. He is nourishment, He is strength,

Run, for you will not grow weary. Walk for you will not grow faint. Trust in Christ alone.

Knock and the door shall be opened

Scripture says if we ask, we shall receive, if we knock doors shall be opened. Yet often, it seems doors are closed. But we must be careful about perception. It is easy to have an attitude of defeat and view doors as closed simply because they do not adhere to our vision of open. But one must remember, God's ways are not the same as the ways of man.

Take for example, a revolving door. It might appear closed, but it is merely waiting to be stepped into.

That reminds me of how the Lord parted the Jordan--but not until the priests first stepped into the waters--trusting Him. I suppose if they had stood on the shores and insisted, He might have still parted the waters rather than making them get their feet wet. But that would have been disobedience to what He commanded. It wasnt fear that made them obey--it was faith and love.

I encourage you today to seek that you might find, knock that the door might be opened. God is faithful. We too must be faithful to step out in obedience and trust Him.

Barabbas--and you

Imagine being a prisoner, arrested and imprisoned for a crime you knew you had committed. Tried and condemned. You are guilty. And you await death. You hear the footsteps of the guards approaching.

But suddenly... you are set free. How do you explain it? You are told that there is a man who would die in your place. Can you imagine it?

What must Barabbas have been thinking at the moment this very thing happened to him?
John 18:39-40 -- But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas.

Now Barabbas was a robber. Jesus had been arrested, but the officials found nothing to hold him on. It was their custom each year at this time to release one prisoner. Pilate would gladly release Jesus. For He had committed no crime.

Luke 23:13-19 -- And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Jesus was accused of claiming to be a king. Accused of the claim that he was the Son of God. The people claimed that was a threat to the government. The only charge they would have on Jesus isinsurrection. And he was not guilty. He had done nothing wrong.

Luke 23:23-25 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Now I want you to look at some things about Barabbas.. the man released in Jesus place. What was the charge against him?

A form of insurrection.They both had the same charge. But there is a difference. Barabbas was guilty but set free. Jesus was innocent but condemned.

Do you know what Barabbas means? Bar means "son of". Abbas means Daddy.Jesus was accused of claiming to be the Son of God, the one true Father... our Daddy.

See the similarities here? Barabbas is freed.. Jesus is condemned. Barabbas is guilty.. Jesus is innocentBarabbas has the name.. but Jesus IS

Now, look for a moment at your own life. When Jesus was crucified, Barabbas was set free. but Jesus didn't only die for Barabbas.He died for you...so that you could be free.

What things in our lives are we guilty of? Yet we escape the death we deserve by the atonement offered by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross that day. Isn't it an awesome thing to know that we have a God who loves us so much?

We have life because He died in our place. As He hung upon that cross, the worst way to die, He did it for you. Because He loves you so much.

You are that prisoner.. Receiving the news that you will be set free. What is your reaction?

As Christ loved

John 13:34-35 says "A new commandment I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
How do we define love? Had Jesus simply said "Love one another", we might suppose we could use our own definition of love. But He was very clear on His meaning. We are to love "as He loved". How did Jesus love?

First, Christ loved unconditionally. He accepted people as they were, no strings attatched. There was no if-then clause in His ministry. His love was offered freely to all who would choose to receive it. Mark 1:32-34 describes how Jesus met the needs in peoples lives, healing the sick and driving out demons. "That evening after sunset, the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed. The whole town gathered at the door and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out demons, but He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was." Jesus loved these people and met their needs, not for His own gain, but out of compassion."

Second, Christ loved uncondemningly. In John chapter 8, a woman is brought before Him and accused of adultery. "The teachers of the law and the pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. Now what do you say?" Rather than judge her, Jesus addressed the crowd (verse 7) "If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone."

Third, Christ loved unselfishly. Many times we see where Jesus stopped what He was doing to meet the needs of others. He often put Himself last, taking on the role of a servant. At His final meal with His disciples, Jesus took on the role of a servant and washed His disciples feet. John 13:4-5 "So, he got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet." Christ's love portrayed the ultimate sacrifice in that He died on the cross so that the gap sin created between us and God could be bridged, and we might have eternal life through a relationship with Him--something more wonderful than all this world could ever offer.

The extent of Christ's love is difficult to grasp. The depth, the power, the hope in it. Yet, we are fully expected to live our lives in such a way that that love is reflected through us apon others. When you look at people, do you see what God sees without judgement? Do you have compassion? Do you feel people's pain? Would you stop everything to meet the need in another's life? Would you die for the sake of another? Don't we often make excuses that we are too busy, or that our needs matter more. Are we often unwilling to share Christ with others because of the cost? Are we loving as Christ loved? Or are we loving on our own terms?

Examine your own life, and ask yourself these questions. Ask the Lord to show you how you can fulfill this command in your day to day life to bring Him honor and glory. For this is how the world will know that we are His disciples, by the way we love one another.

Won't you show your love for the Somali people today by lifting them up in prayer and seeking the Lord's will in how you might serve a lost and dying nation?

Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

In order to fully understand this passage, we must understand the background behind its writing. The shepherd was a common metaphor in the ancient Near East, as many kings compared themselves to a shepherd in their leadership capacity. The prophecy of the coming Messiah incorporated the same. And Jesus identified Himself as "the Good Shepherd" (John 10:14) He was also called the "Great Shepherd" (Hebrews 13:20) and "the Chief Shepherd"

The author was David, the shepherd boy who had grown up to become king. The shepherd metaphor was a natural one to him, for it had been his way of life. Here, he was in his mature years. He had suffered deeply and had tasted the bitter cup of dispair. He had walked difficult paths and felt heart rendering hurt. But he had also received the Lord's comfort and had felt the ever-present touch of the Shepherd's hand. Can you relate? Perhaps you had a need and no one seemed to care. But God does care!

David did not speak theoretically or generally. He personally knew the Shepherd. He makes it clear that he is speaking from experience, and in every situation, God faithfully cared for his needs. "The Lord is my shepherd" Here ,the meaning of the word shepherd is "friend, companion, and guide". Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd knows each individual sheep. "The Sheep hear His voice and He calleth His own sheep by name" (John 10:3)[21:36]

Psalm 23:1-2 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.
In todays society, we have a lot of wants. Satisfying ourselves has become one of the highest virtues. What kind of things do we want? We want nourishment. "I shall not want" implies that we will never be in hunger. Only those who know Jesus Christ through personal salvation can make such a claim. Without Him, we cried " I shall perish with spiritual hunger. Our Lord delights to provide for all of our needs. "He who cometh to me shall never hunger and he who believeth on me shall never thist" (John 6:35)

We want rest "He maketh me lie down in green pastures" is a picture of the shepherd leading His flock to a beautiful meadow with lush green grass. In a cool shady spot, He beckons them to lie down and rest. For our bodies to function effectively, we must have rest. Due to the influence of sin, our souls become restless. When we come to Christ by faith, He gives us rest. "Take my yoke apon you and lean on me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29) Study the Bible and walk with Him by faith and you will discover deeper rest of surrender and obedience.

We want refreshment. "He leadeth me beside the still waters" is an emblem of all that refreshes. "Still waters" refers to deep, pure, and sweet water, not some stagnant pool that is repulsive to sight and taste. Those who drink from the stagnant pool will continue to thirst. But Jesus said "whoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give to him shall be in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life"

We want renewal. David pulled aside the curtain and revealed the darkest hour when he said "He restoreth my soul" David had committed deep sin and may have wondered at one point how he could ever be used by the Lord again. But he received the joy of restoration through confession of sin and God's gracious forgiveness. During our times of despair, we need the touch of His holy hand to restore joy in our hearts. Psalm 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Psalm 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
We think of the Christian life as a journey, a pilgrimage. The journey is much more difficult than first expected. By depending on our limited wisdom, we lose our way and the foreboding future shatters our confidence. He leadeth me" means to guide and direct carefully according to a definite plan. David teaches us that life is not spent entirely in rest, soft living, and sheltered moments. Just as the shepherd led David, He shows us the paths to follow and guides us each step of the way. He guides in the path of righteousness.

The Christian walk involves forsaking sin and keeping our eyes fixed upon Him. We walk in faith and in love and therefore our walk should be consistent. When we depend on His wisdom and not our own, He makes our path plain. He guides through difficult places. On both sides of the path are perilous places for sheep and they never seem to learn to avoid them. Fear, panic, and even death may be present on the journey. David remembered such journeys and was keenly aware of sheep straying. We, too must trust the Lord's guidance and and allow Him to guide us in the paths of righteousness "for His name's sake".

Psalm 23:4 -- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Sometimes we must walk through the valley. The words do not necessarily refer to death, though death may come in the valley. Picture a shepherd leading his sheep through narrow, dark gorges where there are unknown obstacles and terrors. It is a valley of deep gloom through which they must pass. David is describing the time of testing in his life–a time when the testing was so severe that it threatened his life.

How can we endure life's threatening trials? The Good Shepherd walks through the valley with us and provides for our needs. "I will fear no evil" We need not worry or have any doubt. "For thou art with me. He has never left us. A shepherd protects his sheep, and certainly our Shepherd protects us. His "rod and staff" give comfort.

Lets look at what a rod and staff were to a shepherd during David's time. The rod was used for defense against wild beast and sometimes even robbers. The staff was for drawing the sheep out of crevices and other places of danger. Imagine for a second yourself in the place of the sheep. What does the shepherd's rod and staff mean to you? For the sheep, these two instruments meant defense, guidance, and safety. Think for a minute about how He has protected you from dangers and has safely drawn you out of the crevices along the paths of life.
Where have you been? Where are You right now on that path with the Shepherd?

Psalm 23:5-6 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

With the words "Thou preparest a table before me in the presense of mine enemies," David describes himself at the banquet table as a guest of the Divine Host. Having his head annointed with oil symbolizes a hearty welcome, and the expression "my cup runneth over" refers to an abundant supply. His is more than the Shepherd's sheep. He is God's guest. The picture has become more realistic and nearer to human understanding. There is not fellowship and communication between the shepherd and the sheep such as is possible between host and guest, the Creator and those created in His image. The Oriental host was obliged to protect his guest. The Heavenly Host carries out the same rigid procedure of protection David describes in the shepherd psalm. Our Lord took up the same idea, and compared the Christian life to full enjoyment at a divenely set table.
Luke 14:15 -- And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

And God's goodness endures beyond the grave. When the rough way is over, as children of God, we will enter into the heavenly dwelling place and receive eternal rest. Jesus called it "my Father's house" a dwelling place of joy, prepared for those who put their faith in Him. It is a comforting thought to know that "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"

Now I want to bring to focus a different aspect of the shepherd/sheep story. I have thus far related this psalm to God's care for us. But we can further apply it to our lives in observing the qualities of the Shepherd and imitating Him. In John 21:15-17 Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep. He is asking Peter to care for the sheep of the flock in the same way that He Himself has cared for them. To walk with them. To direct them to the still waters He desires that they drink from. To show them His green pastures.

John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He is asking Peter to care for the sheep of the flock in the same way that He Himself has cared for them. To walk with them. To direct them to the still waters He desires that they drink from. To show them His green pastures.

Lets look back at those shepherd qualities now, and apply them not just as in how God relates to us, but in our relationships with others. Do you love His sheep the way He loves them? Do you try to help them along the shepherds path rather than watching them wander astray? In what ways can we "feed His sheep" ?

Consider the nation of Somalia. Consider them as God's sheep being led astray. Won't you intervene to show them the same love and care He has for them? Won't you help feed His sheep?

Tuki (prayer)

"Keep in touch."

It was a short phrase, but full of so much meaning. Spoken to a new friend who would soon be traveling. There was no specification as to how often, but simply that communication should be ongoing. It is communication that holds friendships together and deepens the bond. The closer a friendship, the more often communication typically takes place.

The Bible tells us we are to pray without ceasing. (1 Thes. 5:17) We can debate exactly what is meant by "without ceasing", but surely we cannot deny that the command here is to be in continual communication with the Lord that our relationship with Him might be strengthened.

Keeping in touch with Jesus is not a matter of now and then. He has given us His Holy Spirit. He never leaves us. There are no barriers between us and Him. It is the kind of relationship where conversation is expected to be continual. It is to be depended upon.

Victory

1 Corinthians 15:57 says "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

The key to this verse is that our victory is in Christ--not just in what He has done, but what He continues to do. So many people walk in defeat. They either depend only on what has been done or only wait on what is to come. While it is quite true that Christ ALREADY did what needs to be done, the purpose of what He did was so that we might have victory. Not a get into Heaven free card, but true victory in life. Freedom to overcome--not through our own ability, but through our dependence on Him.

I am reminded of the old hymn "Victory in Jesus" (E.M. Bartlett 1939)

I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood's atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.

O victory in Jesus,My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about His healing,
Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.
How He made the lame to walk again
And caused the blind to see;
And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,
Come and heal my broken spirit,"
And somehow Jesus came and bro't
To me the victory.

O victory in Jesus,My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

I hope today that you are enjoying the victory He has for your life. As for Somalia, I know God has the victory there and am trusting in His plan.

At the potter's house

Jeremiah 18:1-6 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD. "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me. "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

In this passage, we have a true and mysterious blending of the divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The Lord used the potter to illustrate how He deals with humanity. Here, the Bible tells us how God revealed to Jeremiah His truths through an ordinary occurrence in a common workshop. As the prophet understood God's revelation, through inspiration, he put it in words that the people could understand and apply to their situation. We too can understand and apply it to our lives as well. As the potter molds the clay, so God molds believers in His image. He wants to make us the very best we can be. Our responsibility is to obey His truths written in the bible and to be willing servants.

Lets look carefully at this passage again. This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message. So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. God told Jeremiah to go to the potters house to learn some valuable lessons. As Jeremiah approached the workshop, the potter began to work on the wheels, literally "two stones". The potter rotated the lower wheel with his feet while shaping the clay on the upper wheel with his hands. An experienced potter has amazing control over this (though ones like myself seem to create disaster when touching it :) The potter exercising control over the clay is a great example of divine sovereignty. Nothing in the clay would make a beautiful vessel of itself. The wheels could do nothing except as the feet of the potter worked. They were under complete control of the potter. A poor potter, like myself, can do little with the clay to make much of it. But an experienced potter creates majestically. God is the supreme power of the universe, the ultimate potter.

He is sovereign over all the physical world. He "hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. (Nahum 1:3) Do you ever think about the earth in orbit or the sea rising and falling? During Christ's reign, He exercised control over the physical world by stilling the life-threatening storm on the sea of Galilee. God also declared His sovereignty over Judah. Because Judah disobeyed God, worshipped idols, and desecrated the temple, God said that He would bring desolation upon the land. "I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons: and I will make the cities of Judah desolate without inhabitant." (Jeremiah 9:11) Thirdly, God is sovereign over everyone. We act as if we are in control of our destiny and make plans for 10, 15, or even 30 years. However, each time we read the obituary column, death reminds us that we have little control over our future. "There is no man that hath power over the Spirit to retain the Spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death" (Ecclesiastes 8:8)

But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. As Jeremiah watched, the potter's expert hands began to mold the clay into a useful vessel, perhaps a cup for drinking. For some reason the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, and the finished product would never meet his high standards. How was the vessel marred? A minute amount of sand in the clay or a hard clump would make it impossible to make a useful vessel.

The clay in this discussion is human clay, capable of ruining the divine plan. Although God is sovereign, He works with free men. Man is free to choose the response he will make to God. Very often we make wrong choices, violate God's laws and become unfit vessels. Sin separates us from God. "Your inequities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2) Those who practice sin become unfit vessels in God's kingdom. Jeremiah repeatedly pointed out Judah's stubbornness. When Judah refused to hear God's word and practiced the inequities of her forefathers, God warned them of judgement. Judah became an unfit vessel because she willfully and stubbornly refused to obey God's instructions. Our deliberate disobedience can have the same effect upon our lives. Selfishness also can mar our service and witness for the Lord. It can cause us to become calloused and hard hearted to the point of total disregard for others and no compassion for sinners God seeks to reach. Jeremiah's experience at the potters house taught him about God's patience and love. Whenever the developing vessel was marred and failing his high standards, he removed the unfit portion and worked it into something good. The divine potter can make something good of the sorriest clay. Upon a persons repentance, God can rework him or her into a vessel of honor.

Though this parable is meant principally for Judah, God deals similarly with all nations, and all people. Each is given the opportunity to repent and conform to God's purpose. God has called man to turn from their evil ways and to obey His laws. "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jeremiah 31:3) This is a beautiful passage of scripture. Although Judah was facing exile, God's love never wavered. Nor does His love for us ever waver. He promised to rebuild the nation and make them good vessels again. We must apply God's love in our lives as well. Christ not only died to carry the penlaty for our sins, He also rose from the dead to intercede for us at the throne of God. He desires to be the potter in our lives.. as we are the clay. He desires to mold us into the image of Christ. He desires to make new vessels out of the nation of Somalia and out of each and every life.

Some verses on prayer

Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

II Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

II Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.

I Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.

Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

some encouragement

But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him. Psalm 37:39-40

May God be your strength today. He is your help and your deliverer. Trust in Him for He will not fail you.

Follow

Its interesting that in all of the things the Lord commands us, the common factor is to follow Him. When Jesus called His disciples, He merely told them to come, follow Him. Today, that is His plea for each and every one of us. I think somehow we fail to realize exactly what that means. It is often viewed as bondage rather than the freedom it really is.

Consider it this way: All we have to do is follow where He leads. That's ALL. We dont have to worry about what is to come.. about why events take place or how we will work out this or that.. we just have to abide and trust. Peter walked on water when his eyes were on Jesus. But when he looked at the storm, he began to sink. Fortunately for him (and for us), ALL he had to do was call out to the Lord and Jesus reached out for him. Then together they got on the boat.

I have been thinking about Psalm 40..verses 1-3 NIV says mud and mire, but KJV says clay.. I like that.. clay...I think David chose just the right word.. mud is dirty.. but clay.. you know how clay is.. you cant get it off anything. It is sticky, it is filthy.. it is uncleanable.

David speaks of being in a pit.. in a hole.. with no way out.. not only that.. but in clay... filthy, sticky, uncleanable clay. Quite a predicament.. but the result of nothing but ones own actions, ones own selfish desires, ones own plans and hopes and denial of the Lord's will. So here he is (figuratively of course) in this pit, in this clay.. calling out to the Lord.. not just calling out.. but having to wait patiently.. for the Lord is not to be ordered around.

He waits patiently and the Lord hears his cry, and sets his feet apon a rock.. a rock.. the most solid place. Firm ground. No longer sinking. Life is grand now compared to that miry hole. But thats not all. I'm not sure why NIV leaves this out, but KJV says He "established my goings' He doesn't just take us out of that pit and rescue us from sinking sand. He doesnt just set our feet on firm ground. He goes even farther. He gives us a path to walk.. direction.. so that we will not fall back into that hole. How dumb it would be for us to just stand in that place and never move.. how silly for us to try to find our own way.. he must help us.. He must show us.. He must give us that path.

And I love this.. verse 3.. He put a new song in my mouth.. and many will see and will fear and will trust the Lord.

Have you ever seen someone rescued? People want to know whats going on, they watch, they wait, they hope. It doesnt matter if they know the person or not. People are curious. And any rescue is going to bring at least some cheer for the hero. how wonderful to know that the story of our rescue brings light to our Hero. Many will see and will fear and will trust the Lord.

It is my prayer for you that the story of your rescue would reflect apon your Hero.. and that every individual who crosses your path will be touched by who Christ is in you.

To every Somali who has been rescued by Christ: Keep following Him. Your rescue will be a testimony even to your persecuters.

God will make a way

Time and time again in scripture we see God work out the impossible. The same Lord of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob is the One who calmed the storm, the One who hung on a cross yet rose again on the third day. The same One who made man out of dust, delivered one man from a lions den and three from a fiery furnace and spit another out of the mouth of a giant fish. That same God is our God. The one who walked on water, restored stength to the lame, and made the blind see. He is the One who desires to work wonders in our lives.

No matter what the impossible, He has a plan. Somalia looks hopeless. All of the reports list the country as the "worst" time and time again. Yet amazingly, most of the world knows nothing about what is going on there. But our Father sees possiblity there. He knows the extent of the problems and He has a plan. His heart leaps for the day that the fruit will be ripe on the vine. He is getting ready to move His hand and cause a great harvest. But the workers are few, because so many look at the field and see nothing. Can we possibly doubt our God's power and ability?

Continue to Pray

Father, we know that You are a mighty God and that no obstacle can hinder Your work. It is our desire to be tools in Your hand, to be used as You desire to testify of Your love and grace to unbelievers, to encourage and equip believers, and to function as a body to do Your kingdom's work in all nations. Thank You for the believers that You have raised up in Somalia and for the many who are willing to pray in faith, awaiting the mighty movement that You have promised there. Prepare every individual for what is to come. Lord, even when it seems Your promises are impossible, remind Your children that all things are possible through Christ and You are not a liar. Strengthen the Somali church and the missionaries You are raising up. Provide for the needs--physical and spiritual of each family and place a hedge of protection around them that they might openly testify of who You are in order that the nation will be transformed for Your honor and Your glory. In the precious and holy name of Christ, amen.

Borders can be brought down

The bride of Christ--the church--should not divided by borders between countries. As the apostle Paul wrote to the various local churches, he considered them to be one with him, other believers, and other local groups of believers. Yet today, we seem to forget that believers even exist in other countries. There may be some general prayer for believers elsewhere, but we as a body neglect the specific remembrance, intercession, and unity that is commanded among all believers.

Perhaps the beginning of this negligence is within our own communities. Prayer, one of the most powerful tools we have within the body is often placed on the back burner as church events fill up the calander. This should not be so. It is through prayer that we get to know our Savior more deeply. It is through prayer that we are united in Him. It is through prayer that we can reach across the boundaries. It is through prayer that His hand is moved to transform the world, to make the impossible possible, and to change lives.

Please join us in prayer--first that God would move within you and prepare you. Second that He would move within the local body and teach you. Third that He would move on a worldwide level and use you.

We are to be His hands, His feet, His body...........................................

AAbbahayaga jannada ku jirow

AAbbahayaga jannada ku jirow
Haddaba sitadan u tukada, AAbbahayaga jannada ku jirow, magacaagu qoduus ha ahaado. Boqortooyadaadu ha timaado, doonistaada dhulka ha lagu yeelo sida jannada loogu yeelo. Kibis maalin nagu filan, maanta na sii. Oo naga cafi qaamahayaga sidaannu u cafinnay kuwa noo qaamaysan. Oo jirrabaadda ha noo kaxayn, laakiin sharka naga du. Waayo, boqortooyada iyo xoogga iyo ammaanta adigaa leh weligaa. Aamiin. Matayos, 6:9-13

Who do you say I am

Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Today that question may seem rather easy for us to answer with words, but we must consider how our actions answer the question. If people look at your life who do they suppose you say that He is?

Does it say He was just an ordinary man whose life is of no significance to you? Does it say He is a prophet, whose words you hold dear? Does it say that He is a "good idea" or a "hope to believe in"? Or does your life tell others that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who not only forgives but transforms lives?

We spend a lot of time trying to convince people to believe words that we speak, but our actions will need no convincing.

Go...

The United States sends thousands of missionaries to other countries every year. (and ironically thousands go to the US from other countries every year). South Korea sends more missionaries all over the world than the US does--despite the fact that it is much smaller of a country. And you can pick about any country--even predominately Hindu or Muslim ones, and find that they at least have some missionaries go. There are missionaries all over the world, seeking to take Christ to lost and dying people--or perhaps just seeking to wake up lost and dying "Christians"! Astonishingly, over 90% of missionaries are serving "Christian" areas. They are preaching the Gospel to the same people who already profess Christ.

There are no missionaries serving in Somalia. As a matter of fact, there are no "churches" there according to published literature. I guess they failed to realize you dont have to have a building to have a church. There is most certainly a church in Somalia--otherwise Christians wouldn't be dying there continually. It isnt "missionary" Christians who are being killed--its natives of Somalia who risk their lives to profess Christ and denounce Islam. We avoid Somalia because it is "Dangerous". Have we forgotten the danger in allowing lost souls to persih for the sake of our own comfort? Will you sit and do nothing while Somalis die daily without knowing Christ?

I was amazed to find that while nearly one million Somali's are refugees in other countries, there are reportedly only around 20 Christian missionaries serving them (in countried other than Somalia--again, there are no missionaries in Somalia). Even in areas with a lot of Christian influence, Somali's are neglected or overlooked. I suppose if we think carefully though, we may find that in our own neighborhoods the lost are being overlooked.

We are the hands and feet of Christ, but simply moving doesn't accomplish the task. We must be obedient to the Master's desires and follow His instructions. Then, and only then, can His will be accomplished and His kingdom's work done. Rather than picking "safe" places to send our missionaries, we need to ask the One who has power over all obstacles where it is He would have us to go.

Will you go where He leads? Will you stop and seek to find out where He desires to lead you? Will you ignore all obstacles and walk in obedience for His name's sake--Even if it means facing the dangerous perils of a place like Somalia?

Fear not

The word of God repeatedly uses the phrase "fear not". This is followed by "For I...", "because I.." and other similar phrases.

We have no cause to fear anything or anyone because HE has a plan that cannot be hindered.

Today consider what it is that you may be avoiding or putting off due to fear or impossibility. Then remember His words... Fear not.. because HE is in control.

Who do you serve?

Exodus 32:1-6 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." Aaron said to them, "Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, "This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt." Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord." So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

Idolatry is not simply spiritual ignorance. It is also deliberate turning away from the spiritual knowledge and worship of God. By nature, we as humans have difficulty exercising faith in the unseen. Human nature also grow impatient with God's method and timing of His work. What was true for the Israelites in Moses' day is all too true for many of us. The cry is for something that can be seen and touched. But when we turn to an idol, God is dishonored and man is misled, degraded, and exposed to the possibility of ruin. The idolatry of the Israelites was a very serious sin that had profound effects on them and led to dramatic intercessory prayer by Moses. Moses was on Mount Sinai forty days receiving the Law from God. The Israelites should have used that time to prepare themselves for the reception of the Law. Instead, they succumbed to the temptation to disobey the teachings of God that they had already received .
Moses, they implied, had forsaken them, so they would need another leader.

Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." Yielding to their demand for an idol, Aaron told them to bring their golden earrings to him. Aaron said to them, "Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." In rejecting the authority of Moses, the people were actually rejecting God. With the gold he had received, Aaron made a statue of a calf. After making the calf, he constructed an alter for it and proclaimed a feast day. Aaron tried to pass off the calf as being representative of God by proclaiming the feast day as being "to the Lord".

While still on Mount Sinai, Moses was told about the idolatry of the Israelites. Exodus 32:7-8 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, "Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. "They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, 'This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!'" He was told that God intended to destroy the rebellious people and replace them with a "great nation" which would descend from Moses. Exodus 32:9-10The Lord said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. "Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation." He asked God to spare all of the people because of all that he had done for them. He feared that their destruction would only dishonor the Lord.

When Moses returned to the camp, He learned that God had indeed spoken the truth. What he saw completely dismayed and disgusted him. There were only 2 sides.. A right side and a wrong side. There was a side for God and a side against God. This was actually the second time Moses had interceded for the people in this sort of matter. Exodus 32:11-14 Then Moses entreated the Lord his God, and said, "O Lord, why does Your anger burn against Your people whom You have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? "Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, 'With evil intent He brought them out to kill them in the mountains and to destroy them from the face of the earth'? Turn from Your burning anger and change Your mind about doing harm to Your people. "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants to whom You swore by Yourself, and said to them, 'I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heavens, and all this land of which I have spoken I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever." So the Lord changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people. This time, however, he was ready to offer a sacrifice for atonement. Exodus 32:30 On the next day Moses said to the people, "You yourselves have committed a great sin; and now I am going up to the Lord, perhaps I can make atonement for your sin." What could he offer? He decided to offer himself. Exodus 32:32 "But now, if You will, forgive their sin and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!" If the Israelites could not be forgiven any other way.. He was ready to be a sacrifice for them.

God would not allow Moses to be an atonement for the Israelites, however. Each individual would have to account for his or her own sin. Exodus 32:33 The Lord said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book. Moses would continue to serve as Israel's leader. In His own time and His own way, God would deal with the rebellious people. Surprisingly Aaron was not judged harshly, as he was permitted not only to live, but to continue to serve as Israels high priest.

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. Taking captive means to kidnap. False teachers are "kidnappers. Satan is behind all unscriptural teachings and practices. In our society today, we do not see him using golden calves to entice people, but he does seek to lead them astray in other ways. One of the motivating factors in the idolatry of the israelites was their impatience. Perhaps they were weary of waiting for the promised land. They had been at Mount Sinai too long, they reasoned. They were ready to move on. "Make us gods which shall go before us", they demanded. They had a God who abode them and manifested His presence by a cloud and a pillar of fire. But they wanted more. They were hurrying to a land flowing with milk and honey and could not wait for the Lord to accomplish His purposes for and with them. We too sometimes get impatient with God, don't we? When we do, we are very likely to sin. In turning away from God, we probably turn to something else. That is the essence of idolatry.

Having been given a god which they could see and touch, the people worshipped it. They had made a god to please their fleshly nature and used religion as an excuse. Moses challenged them with the question of who was on the Lord's side. To be on God's side requires commitment. It requires trust. It means trusting and not trying to do things our way. It means not giving up on His promises. Are you serious in worshiping and serving the Lord? He has given specific instructions in all these matters. It is just as important for us to follow the paths He has laid out for our lives as it was for the Israelites to do so then.

Consider what decisions He might have you make now and what changes might be in order to make Your life more pleasing to Him.

Contemplating the cross

I was thinking about the cross.. what it means to us.. I think we often think about it but dont contemplate it. We dont realize the fullness of all that happened there.. all that the cross means. We need to stop and focus and truely grasp the meaning. The Lord brought this to my mind a few years back and it has been a passion of mine.. the realization of what the cross really means. With the Easter season and all.. thinking about His birth.. why He was born, Who He is, my thoughts have again wandered to the cross.

Matthew 27:27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him.Matthew 27:28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him,Matthew 27:29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.

The guards mocked Jesus by dressing him as a king.His head was pierced by long, sharp thorns.
I envision the blood running down his face.

Matthew 27:30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again.
They spit upon HimThat was the deepest form of insult in the Jewish culture
They hit him.

Matthew 27:32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Jesus was so weak from his earlier 39 lashes with a cat-`o-nine-tails ( strips of leather with pieces of stone and glass embedded in them) that he could not carry his own cross.

Matthew 27:34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.He refused to drink the wine mixed with gall (vinegar) because it was given to numb his senses.
He was unwilling to numb the pain of dying

Matthew 27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Large spikes were driven through both wrists and feet and hammered deep into the wood of the cross.
Christ's whole body received a painful jolt as the cross fell violently into its hole.
The cross wasn't just eased up in place.. No, it was lifted up and then dropped down into a hole.
With the body stretched out on the cross, the person would usually die of suffocation.
Some would last for days on the cross, suffering a terrible death.

The cross was brutal.
What actually put Christ up there?It wasn't the Romans or the Jews, it was us.
We deserve death for our sins.We should have been put up there, not Christ.
But He willingly took our place.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Christ loves us so much that he chose to take the punishment for our sins so we could have eternal life with Him.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
When you think of the cross, and may you always think of it...may you truely grasp the depth of His love for you.

Victory

Some scripture to think on :

1John 5:1-5 -- Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is He that overcometh the world, but He that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is such an awesome reminder of what it means to be His child. It is also a promise for the future, that no matter what, in Him we can overcome all of the trials and tribulations of this life. He is faithful always!

I pray He is leading you moment by moment and is meeting your every need. You will overcome!

Trust

Scripture likes to tell us to trust the Lord. As a matter of fact, "Trust me" is quite a common statement to hear today. When people say it, it is quite often an indicator that perhaps we should not. But when our Father in Heaven says it, it is a gentle reminder of all that He is. We do not simply hold our breath and hope that all works out as He says it will. Instead we joyfully walk the path He has commanded and confront obstacles without doubt, knowing He will make a way.

The biggest deterent to trust is self. If we can see possibility, we find it easier to trust. But that trust is not in Christ, but rather in what can be seen. The kind of trust He requires of us is the faith scripture so often mentions--even more than it mentions trust. Hebrews 11:1 says faith is "Being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." So, the possibilities that seem to help us trust may quite often be hindrances to it. For God's way is not often the way of men.

He would not deny his Savior.... will you?

A notable Somali pastor wrote this song many years ago while suffering in prison. Though it may lose a bit of its flow in the translation to English, it still touches the heart. It speaks of the dedication he, as well as many Somali Christians today, had to serving Christ at all costs.



I will not miss the promise of the everlasting God, the creator of the world

On the mountains, if I stay a month, and the freezing winds hit me, I will not deny my Savior.

Hundreds of years if I stay on the plains have no farm, livestock and wife I will not deny my Savior.

If I am being slaughtered, thrown into the sea or beaten by club, I will not deny my Savior. .

If I am hungry and have no money, I will not deny my Savior.

I am sick, my chest is paining, and He will take care of me and heal me, I will not deny my Savior.

Aden Jimale Farah